Ian Swainson named head chef at The Pass, South Lodge

Ian Swainson has replaced Matt Gillan as head chef at the Michelin-starred The Pass at South Lodge hotel in Sussex.

He joins from the Samling hotel in Cumbria, where he has held a Michelin-star for the last three years.

It comes weeks after Gillan announced he would be leaving the Exclusive Hotels-owned South Lodge at the end of April after a ten-year stint.​

Swainson said: “I am really looking forward to developing my food within such an established restaurant and cannot wait to get started.”

David Connell, general manager at South Lodge, said the hotel was looking forward to the chef bringing his ‘vision and creativity’ to the restaurant.

“Working within a few feet of our guests, Ian has a unique opportunity to showcase his culinary talent and engaging personality and offer diners a truly interactive and memorable dining experience,” said Connell.

Swainson has been cooking for over 15 years in kitchens including the Michelin-starred L'Ortolan in Reading, Seaham Hall in County Durham, Le Becasse in Ludlow and Chewton Glen in Hampshire.